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These instructions are for Google Earth Pro. Get help with Google Earth for Web and Mobile.

Import data from GPS devices

If you have a supported GPS device, you can track data in Google Earth.

What you'll need

  • A serial or USB cable.

Choose which GPS points to see in Google Earth

  • Tracks: Automatically recorded by the GPS device as you travel.
  • Waypoints: Your saved locations, such as "home."
  • Routes: Used by the GPS device to create a route from one recorded point to another recorded point. Routes can contain multiple sets of directions and can be imported into Google Earth as paths.

Import GPS Data

There are two ways to import your GPS data into Google Earth:

After you import GPS data

Real-Time GPS Tracking

If you connect your laptop to a GPS device while you’re traveling, you can see your GPS location in real time in Google Earth.

  1. Follow steps 1-6 under Import GPS data.
  2. In the "GPS Import" window, click Realtime.
  3. Select the appropriate options:
    • Select protocol: If you're not sure what to use, choose "NMEA."
    • Track point import limit: The max number of positions that are saved and drawn on the screen.
    • Polling interval (seconds): How often Google Earth gets data from the GPS device.
    • Automatically follow the path: Centers the 3D viewer and follows the current GPS track.
  4. Click Start.
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